Hearst San Simeon State Park RV & Campground Guide
California
- Home
- State Parks
- California
- Hearst San Simeon State Park
Located 35 miles north of San Luis Obispo and 2 miles north of Cambria, Hearst San Simeon State Park is one of the oldest state parks in California. It's comprised of three different units. Santa Rosa Creek Preserve, which serves to protect the endangered Tidewater Goby, contains riparian forests and coastal wetlands. Another part of the park is the San Simeon Natural Preserve; it consists of wetlands, riparian areas, and highly unusual mima mound topography that's home to a large population of migrating monarch butterflies. Finally, the park contains the Pa-Nu Cultural Preserve, which protects an area with a nearly 6,000-year history of human inhabitation. Elephant seals often congregate on the rocky 6-mile shoreline.
Spring 46-69 F
Summer 53-78 F
Fall 51-76 F
Winter 43-65 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Hearst San Simeon State Park
An RV makes a great temporary home when exploring Hearst San Simeon State Park and California’s Central Coast. If you do not have your own, then consider renting one on RVshare. You can find motorhomes and trailers for rent in the area.
San Simeon Creek Campground
At this 115-site campground within Hearst San Simeon State Park, rates start at $35 a night. It's set on a small hill with sites that offer panoramic views of the ocean and woodlands. San Simeon Creek has tent camping spots and RV camping spots for trailers up to 35-feet long.
• Water hookup: No
• Electrical hookup: No
• Sewer hookup: No
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Fire ring, picnic table
Washburn Campground
Also located in Hearst San Simeon State Park, this campground is set on a plateau within a mile of the beach where the elephant seals can often be seen frolicking. Rates at this primitive campground start at $35 per night.
• Water hookup: No
• Electrical hookup: No
• Sewer hookup: No
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Fire ring, picnic table
Paso Robles RV Ranch & Campground
Located near Paso Robles, about 29 miles away from the state park, this campground offers fun programs and a swimming pool. Rates start at $55 per night.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Friendly hosts
Morro Dunes RV Park
Located about 29 miles away from Hearst San Simeon State Park, Morro Dunes RV Park offers beachfront camping starting at $34 a night. This campground has a clubhouse, and it also has handicapped-accessible restrooms.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Clubhouse
What to Do at
Hearst San Simeon State Park
Inside Hearst San Simeon State Park
There are many ways to reconnect with nature at Hearst San Simeon State Park. You may want to pack a picnic and enjoy a meal while gazing at the scenic vistas within this park. There are hiking opportunities throughout the park, with many paths leading to the beach. You can also go fishing for surfperch, white croaker, sand dabs, sole, and halibut throughout the year; salmon, anchovy, mackerel, jacksmelt, and striped sea perch may be caught in the fall. Conditions are often right to go surfing, and many tide pools make this a great location to go beachcombing.
How to Get to
Hearst San Simeon State Park
From Cambria, take CA-1 N to Windsor Boulevard. Turn left on Windsor Boulevard and turn right on Moonstone Beach Drive.
If you're coming from San Simeon, then take CA-1 S until you reach the park on your left.
By Car
Entering Hearst San Simeon State Park
Hearst San Simeon State Park does not close. There are no official park hours.
Hearst San Simeon State Park Per person : $0.0
You may encounter different prices for parking near the beaches.
Located just west of the Hearst Castle, this park has three distinct areas. There is much to do in the park, including trails to hike, fish to catch, beaches to play on, and wildlife to view. Nearby, you can tour the magnificent Hearst Castle, dine at various restaurants, visit other interesting attractions, and go shopping. If you've been to Hearst San Simeon State Park, then please post your pictures to social media and tag RVshare. The site would love to have you email your memories and photos to [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions About Hearst San Simeon State Park
Plan your RV camping trip here in the spring or fall when the elephant seals often arrive. The park's 6-mile elephant seal rookery is open year-round. You'll be able to see these fascinating marine animals birth, rest, and molt.
This state park has a comfortable Mediterranean climate. The coast brings in a cool breeze that often creates a thick fog. Summers tend to be warm but not too hot, while winters are mild.
The San Simeon Creek Campground at Hearst San Simeon State Park offers 134 camping sites for both RVs and tents. They accommodate motorhomes up to 35 feet long. Guests are welcome to use the dump station and flush toilets.
You're welcome to bring your pets to Hearst San Simeon State Park as long as they're kept on a leash. Pets aren't welcome on beaches or trails. Keep watch for signs that prohibit pets in specific areas.
You'll find six accessible campsites here between the two campgrounds. There are also two accessible trails and several accessible bathrooms. Hearst San Simeon State Park also has a few elephant seal viewing areas that are wheelchair accessible.